How to Treat Sugarcane Setts for Better Yield? 

Sugarcane is one of the most grown commercial crops in India. But not all crops might be of the best quality, and it depends significantly on the quality and treatment of setts (the pieces of cane used for planting). 

Unfortunately, many farmers end up ignoring the importance of set treatment for better germination. But this ignorance can lead to pest attacks, low yield, poor germinations and diseases. With the help of the right Sugarcane sett treatment, farmers can get better productivity and protect clients from any issues. 

In this blog we will share why Sugarcane sett treatment is important and how to use it. 

Why Sett Treatment is Essential ?

Sugarcane setts usually catch fungal infections. Some of the pests like early shoot borer, and soil-borne diseases. They not just reduce the rate of germination but also impacts the growth of the plant. Here are a few reasons why it is important to treat setts in sugarcane: 

• It supports better germination rates and growth. 
• It helps to prevent all types of fungal and bacterial infections in the crop. 
• Helps in protecting from the pest attacks from the initial stage only.
• Support uniformity in sugarcane crops.
• It leads to better quality produce and boosts overall yield. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Sugarcane Sett Treatment

1. Select Healthy Seed Cane

The very first step for Sugarcane sett treatment is to select the disease-free, healthy and properly grown canes that are perfectly mature Avoid choosing canes that are not mature, have any signs of disease, red rots, smut and wilt. Always make sure to use the top two-thirds of the cane for better germination.

2. Cut Setts Correctly

Now in the second step you need to cut the setts with 3 buds each. Always make sure to use the sharp, disinfected tools to ensure clean cuts and reduce the chances of infection and keep your crop healthy.

3. Fungicide & Insecticide Dip

Now is the time to use fungicide for sugarcane setts, start by preparing the solution using the following:

EBS Trichoderma Viride Powder. 

EBS Bio Shakti (a microbial consortium) 

EBS Humiroot 

EBS Metarhizium Powder 

If you wish to adding a mild fungicide like Carbendazim can also be effective but it’s 

Optionally, you can add a mild fungicide like Carbendazim (1 gm/l) or a recommended insecticide to manage early pests.

How to Use:

Now to use this you need to dip the sugarcane setts in the solution for at least 10-15 mins. This will allow the microbes and protective agents to settle on the surface and inside the buds.

4. Sett Drying

After you're done with dipping it in fungicide, dry the setts for at least 1-2 hours. It will help prevent excess moisture-related decay and ensure the treatment agents stick properly.

5. Use EBS VAM Powder

EBS VAM (Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) Powder can be applied in the furrows during planting. It promotes better root development and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus.

6. Soil Preparation & Spacing

 Make sure the soil is well-tilled and enriched with organic manure. Maintain the proper space among the crops to avoid any overcrowding and it ensures better circulation and also prevents disease spread.

Final Words

Sett treatment may seem like an additional step but it is necessary to ensure the healthy and high-yield sugarcane crop. By using a combination of EBS products like Trichoderma Viride, Bio Shakti, Humiroot, Metarhizium, and VAM Powder, you can naturally protect your sugarcane and promote vigorous growth.